Meet Paul
Education and Awards
Paul Naccachian is no stranger to the community and the City of Azusa, which he considers home since 1987. Community service and getting involved in the non-profit sector to bring about social change has always been part of Paul’s life.
“[His] earliest memory was in college when [he] had the opportunity to be involved with a community oriented non-profit in Watts California that helped shape and restore troubled youth to be reintroduced into the community as functional members of society.”
Soon after completing his Bachelors degree at University of California, Irvine with dual major in Political Science and History, Paul moved and settled in New York attending law school in Connecticut. During law school, Paul helped organize the effort to save several historic buildings in downtown Stanford, CT, as well as other environmental issues in the area.
Upon completion of law school, Paul was offered a job at a major oil company, but opted to work with non-profit organizations. Years later, during a visit with his parents in Azusa, Paul recognized the disappointing neglect and stagnancy in Downtown Azusa and saw an opportunity. He and his sister, Angela, took a pioneering step to restore several downtown buildings and opened Balzac Café on Azusa Avenue.
“As [he] got involved over the years, [his] understanding of the City grew stronger and [his] commitment to make a difference began to take a central role.” Accordingly, Paul involved himself in local politics serving on various committees and business organizations. He first joined the newly created Azusa Downtown Business Association, serving as its president for over five years. In addition, he also served as the Vice President of the Azusa Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Azusa Human Relations Commission. During that time, Paul utilized his leadership skills in collaborating with various organizations including Azusa Pacific University in planning and preparing annual activities such as: Annual Soap Box Derby, Mariachi Festival, Annual MLK Celebration/Hands Across Azusa, and Arts on the Avenue.
Paul has received numerous awards and Congressional recognition for his dedication and community service in the City of Azusa. Including his involvement with the Azusa Unified School District through the high school business mentor program, and lectures on current human rights violations and genocide issues around the world.
After completing his post-Juris Doctorate degree at Pepperdine University in Dispute Resolution, Paul developed a University curriculum on resolving human rights violations using the dispute resolution model, which has been implemented internationally. He continues his endeavors in mediation negotiation, arbitration, and various research projects.